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Senator Rummel outlines amendment to raise interstate limit to 80 mph, add variable electronic speed signs and simplify fines; committee postpones action
Summary
Senator Rummel proposed amending a highway bill to raise maximum interstate limits to 80 mph on I‑29 and I‑94, standardize fines at $5 per mile over the limit, and authorize variable electronic speed-limit signs in high-crash zones.
Senator Rummel presented an amendment (to House Bill 12‑98) that would increase posted maximum speed limits on Interstate 29 and Interstate 94 in specified segments to 80 miles per hour, simplify speeding penalties to a uniform $5 for each mile per hour over the posted limit, and authorize the Department of Transportation to install and operate variable electronic speed-limit signs in identified high-crash zones.
Rummel said the amendment also removes a statutory provision allowing municipalities to double state speeding fines and grants the DOT director limited authority to temporarily lower posted electronic maximums between fixed or variable signs when "unsafe conditions" exist. He described use cases and high-crash locations (for example, Valley City and areas near Medora) and said variable, hardwired electronic signs would let authorities reduce speeds quickly to prevent pileups during adverse conditions. Rummel told the committee the DOT estimated replacing all conventional signs on I‑29 and I‑94 with electronic signs statewide would cost about $10,000,000, but the crash-site installations under discussion would be much more limited and affordable.
Senator Paulson expressed concerns about adding complex operational authority into statute without additional hearings; he said technical elements such as "real-time intelligent transportation systems" should be vetted by experts. Senator Holden and other members noted variable signs are used successfully in other states and could improve safety in construction zones and high-risk locations. Rummel withdrew his motion on the amendment and proposed bringing the DOT, the Highway Patrol, the League of Cities and other stakeholders into committee for an informational session before further action. The committee agreed to postpone action and schedule a follow-up meeting in roughly two weeks to allow more input and obtain fiscal details.
